Delibes' duet is performed by the characters Lakmé, the daughter of a Brahmin priest, and her servant Mallika, as they go to gather flowers by a river, hence the track's title.
Hiatus Kaiyote's song also makes lyrical allusions to themes from the original with references to jasmine, and the strong current of the river "murky depths can pull you under".
Malika
Hiatus Kaiyote Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will shake the scales the dry self I have been dragging
And I walk into the sun, and I won't bite my thumb
If the splendour ruptures I'm gone take it as it comes
Lurch, murky depths can tear your heart cruel
Deep calls to deep a chance to sift through
Harsh may burn you love to seek truth shed a new view
Lurch, murky depths can pull you under
Shake the wonder, prey to utter
Oh we melt hearts a flutter
A new stain etches through the veins
A small grace bathed in old refrain
stretch the frame a little further this aria will play again
Come now shiver through the soft aching jasmine ribbon around your claws
Rambles through the heart eons that dart but never part laughing is the morning spark
Lurch, murky depths can tare your heart cruel
Deep calls to deep a chance to sift through
Harsh may burn you love to seek truth shed a new view
My love, my love, my love
Scratch the nape, just like a snake
I will shake the scales the dry self I have been dragging
Malika my soul sweetener
Malika my soul sweetener
My soul sweetener, my soul sweetener
The lyrics of Hiatus Kaiyote's song "Malika" describe an introspective journey of self-discovery and transformation. The singer acknowledges their old, dry self that they have been "dragging" and decides to shed it like a snake sheds its scales. The imagery of scales and shedding refers to leaving behind old layers of skin and past habits and behaviors that no longer serve us.
The singer then steps into the sun with a newfound confidence, ready to face whatever challenges come their way. They choose to embrace the beauty and splendor of life even when it hurts, knowing that it's all part of the journey. The chorus repeats the phrase "Lurch, murky depths can tear your heart cruel, deep calls to deep a chance to sift through, harsh may burn you love to seek truth shed a new view." This can be interpreted as a reminder that life can be difficult and painful, but it's through these experiences that we can find deeper truths and new perspectives that enrich our lives.
The lyrics then shift to an address to "Malika," who is referred to as the singer's "soul sweetener." This could be interpreted as a reference to a spiritual guide or an inner voice that helps the singer navigate their journey of self-discovery. The singer embraces the idea of new beginnings and a fresh start, with a "new stain etching through the veins" and a "small grace bathed in old refrain."
Line by Line Meaning
Scratch the nape, just like a snake
I will shed my old skin and habits, leaving behind the dry and lifeless parts of myself.
I will shake the scales the dry self I have been dragging
I will rid myself of the parts that no longer serve me and walk freely into a new chapter of my life.
And I walk into the sun, and I won't bite my thumb
I am unafraid to face the unknown and will not let any obstacles or challenges deter me from my path.
If the splendour ruptures I'm gone take it as it comes
I am willing to accept both the joys and hardships of life, and will handle them as they come.
Lurch, murky depths can tear your heart cruel
The deep and uncertain parts of life can be painful and challenging, but are necessary in order to grow.
Deep calls to deep a chance to sift through
The most meaningful experiences in life are found in the depths and require time and effort to fully explore.
Harsh may burn you love to seek truth shed a new view
Challenging experiences can be transformative, leading to greater insight and new perspectives.
Lurch, murky depths can pull you under
The uncertainty and darkness of life can feel overwhelming and suffocating, but it is important to keep moving forward.
Deep calls to deep raucous as thunder
The most profound experiences in life can be loud and powerful, evoking strong emotions and reactions.
Shake the wonder, prey to utter
Embrace the unknown and allow yourself to speak and express freely.
Oh we melt hearts a flutter
We have the power to evoke powerful emotions in others and make a deep impact on their lives.
A new stain etches through the veins
New experiences and perspectives can leave a permanent mark on us, changing us forever.
A small grace bathed in old refrain
Even in times of hardship and struggle, there is always room for grace and beauty.
Stretch the frame a little further this aria will play again
Keep pushing yourself to new heights and experiences, knowing that there is always more to discover and explore.
Come now shiver through the soft aching jasmine ribbon around your claws
Allow yourself to experience the full range of emotions, both painful and beautiful, and hold onto the sensations as they pass.
Rambles through the heart eons that dart but never part laughing is the morning spark
Many experiences will come and go throughout our lives, but finding joy and laughter in the small moments is what brings true happiness.
Malika my soul sweetener
Malika is a comforting presence in the artist's life, bringing sweetness and light.
My soul sweetener, my soul sweetener
The repetition emphasizes the importance and impact that Malika has on the singer's life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Naomi Saalfield, Perrin Moss, Simon George Mavin, Paul Bender
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@229rimi
Scratch the nape, just like a snake
I will shake the scales and dry self I have been dragging
And I'll walk into the sun
And I won't bite my thumb
If the splendor ruptures, I'm gonna take it as it comes
[Chorus 1]
Lurch, murky depth can tear your heart cruel
Deep calls to deep, a chance to sift through
Harsh may burn you love to seek truth
Shed a new view
Lurch, murky depth can pull you under
Deep calls to deep raucous as thunder
Shake the wonder, prey to other
Oh, we melt hearts a flutter
A new stain etches through the veins
A small grace bathed in old refrain
Stretch the frame a little further
This aria will play again
Come now shiver through the soft aching jasmine ribbon around your claws
Rambles through the heart eons that dart
But never part
Now I finish the morning spark
love, my love, my love
Scratch the nape, just like a snake
I will shake the scales and dry self I have been dragging
Malika, my soul sweetener
Malika, my soul sweetener
My soul sweetener, my soul sweetener
@danylueke1518
A new stain etches through the veins
A small grace bathed in old refrain
Stretch the frame a little further
This aria will play again
Come now shiver through the soft aching jasmine ribbon around your claws
Rambles through the heart eons that dart
But never part
Now I finish the morning spark............
I remember when i used to work in a Hotel this was my go to track.
@timobrien5316
I’m really trying hard not to be disappointed in myself for just finding you guys, I do apologize
@BOWLSQUAD
You just can't
@229rimi
Scratch the nape, just like a snake
I will shake the scales and dry self I have been dragging
And I'll walk into the sun
And I won't bite my thumb
If the splendor ruptures, I'm gonna take it as it comes
[Chorus 1]
Lurch, murky depth can tear your heart cruel
Deep calls to deep, a chance to sift through
Harsh may burn you love to seek truth
Shed a new view
Lurch, murky depth can pull you under
Deep calls to deep raucous as thunder
Shake the wonder, prey to other
Oh, we melt hearts a flutter
A new stain etches through the veins
A small grace bathed in old refrain
Stretch the frame a little further
This aria will play again
Come now shiver through the soft aching jasmine ribbon around your claws
Rambles through the heart eons that dart
But never part
Now I finish the morning spark
love, my love, my love
Scratch the nape, just like a snake
I will shake the scales and dry self I have been dragging
Malika, my soul sweetener
Malika, my soul sweetener
My soul sweetener, my soul sweetener
@FindYourFree
one of the most profound writers
@keeperoftheblueflame662
🙏
@saravananv9375
@@FindYourFree wat is this song about?
@brajkraft
@@saravananv9375 Sex, all of them is.
@hiatuskaiyote
The Flower Duet
@iknowyoureright8564
This is so BEAUTIFUL, I just took a walk in the mountains, in Ireland 🇮🇪..I put this on in my ears, I cried loads, What a release.....Heaven. Thank you.
@eugenefuller5506
And I don't buy credit to sold gambling dept